THE OLD soldiers took a gentlemanly backward step at a ladies’ night dinner at the Lamb and Flag Hotel, writes Don Chambers.

Although the Abergavenny branch of the Royal Regiment of Wales Old Comrades’ Association has been reduced over the years to just seven members, there is still a lot of support in the town for the military men from wives and friends.

The former Regulars and National Service soldiers gladly allowed the women to take centre stage for an enjoyable meal and a few hours of reminiscing about the good old days which, for some, were more than half a century ago.

“The branch was formed in 1991 for ex-Servicemen and once attracted around 40 members,” said Don Clissold, the livewire secretary and treasurer.

The branch still meets regularly on the last Friday of the month at the Constitutional Club.

The old-timers once served with distinction in the South Wales Borderers and the Welch Regiment, with entertainments secretary Ritchie Rudd the lone former airman.